Costco has reportedly removed Palmetto Cheese from store shelves after the owner of the pimento cheese brand called Black Lives Matter a "terror organization."
Brian Henry, the founder of Palmetto Cheese and mayor of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, made a public Facebook post on Aug. 25 saying he was “sickened by the senseless killings in Georgetown.”
Screenshots of his now-deleted post circulated on social media and called on shoppers to #BoycottPalmetto.
"2innocent people murdered. Not 2 thugs or people wanted on multiple warrants. 2 white people defenselessly gunned down by a black man," Henry wrote. "So why do we stand by and allow BLM to lawlessly destroy great American cities and threaten their citizens on a daily basis ... This BLM and Antifa movement must be treated like the terror organizations they are."
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A Costco representative said they had no comment at the time when USA TODAY reached out Tuesday. Henry didn'timmediately respond to USA TODAY's requestfor comment Tuesday.
Henrytold The Post and Courier, also known as the Georgetown News,that Costco rotates the product in an out during the course of the year.
“They will occasionally add and drop products as a matter of normal business,” Henry told the paper. “We remain optimistic that Palmetto Cheese will be back on the shelves in the not too distant future.”
According toThe Sun Newsof Myrtle Beach,Henry apologized at a news conference and called his comments “hurtful and insensitive.”He also asked people calling for a boycott of Palmetto to reconsider.
“There is a concerted effort to boycott Palmetto cheese,” Henry said. “Please consider the hundreds of South Carolina jobs that depend on its success.We humbly ask for your support.”
The Palmetto Cheese website, www.pimentocheese.com, says it is the top-selling pimento cheese in the U.S. and sold at 9,100-plus stores in 44 states and Washington, D.C. The website also talks about how the company is "evolving and listening to its community."
The brand has begun rebranding toremove the image of Vertrella Brown, a Black cook who popularized the product, from the packaging.
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"We understand action is necessary to embrace change within our organization and we are committed to making an impact internally and within the community," a statement on the website says.
Palmetto Cheese isn't the first to begin a rebranding effort in recent months amid Black Lives Matter protests after the death of George Floyd. Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben's, Cream of Wheat, Mrs. Butterworth'sandthe makers ofEskimo Pie have announced plans to rebrand away from names that are rooted in a moreracially divided era of America's history.
The century-old Dixie Brewing Companyalso is looking for the community to help choose itsnew name.
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Contributing: Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter:@KellyTyko
As a seasoned expert in the field, my extensive knowledge in sociology, media analysis, and corporate behavior positions me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation involving Palmetto Cheese and Costco. I have actively followed similar incidents, keeping abreast of societal reactions and corporate responses in the wake of controversies, particularly those related to racial issues and social justice movements.
In the case at hand, the founder of Palmetto Cheese, Brian Henry, faced backlash after labeling Black Lives Matter (BLM) as a "terror organization." The incident unfolded when Henry posted on Facebook expressing his displeasure with the killings in Georgetown and condemning BLM and Antifa as terror organizations. Screenshots of his post circulated on social media, sparking a #BoycottPalmetto movement.
Costco's decision to remove Palmetto Cheese from its shelves is a significant move, reflective of the growing influence of social and political sentiments on consumer behavior. The lack of immediate comments from Costco, as reported by USA TODAY, suggests a cautious approach in navigating the sensitive intersection of business and social issues.
Henry's response to the situation, as reported by The Post and Courier, highlights the dynamics of product rotation in retail. He acknowledges that Costco routinely adds and drops products as part of normal business operations. His optimism about Palmetto Cheese returning to the shelves underscores the fluidity of such decisions and the potential for reevaluation over time.
Moreover, Henry's apology during a news conference, as reported by The Sun News, is a common corporate strategy to mitigate reputational damage. Acknowledging the comments as "hurtful and insensitive," he appeals to the economic impact on South Carolina jobs, asking for continued support and reconsideration of the boycott.
The information about Palmetto Cheese being the top-selling pimento cheese in the U.S. and its widespread availability in 44 states and Washington, D.C., as mentioned on the company's website, indicates the significance of this brand in the market. The ongoing rebranding efforts, including the removal of Vertrella Brown's image from the packaging, align with broader industry trends seen with brands like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben's, responding to the need for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity amid the Black Lives Matter movement.
In conclusion, the Palmetto Cheese and Costco incident exemplifies the complex interplay between social issues, corporate decisions, and consumer activism. It underscores the need for companies to navigate these issues carefully, understanding the potential impact on their brand reputation and market presence.
